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Monday, March 12, 2012

The Reader Geneameme - Better Late than Never

A few weeks ago I challenged other genealogists to respond to this meme; I am flummoxed by the lack of response to this challenge of mine. I have been overwhelmed at the responses to earlier memes so am surprised that only five other genies have taken up this meme challenge so far.

Celia Lewis, on Google Plus, commented "As someone who reads about a book a day and has since about 12, this Reader Geneameme had me answering (in my head) - don't know, whatever I'm reading right now, the library is my friend... etc. That is, this meme didn't stir my brain or heart - I'm simply a bookoholic, loving all kinds, and reading them everywhere and every when."

So perhaps that is why more genies haven't responded. I am responding not only because I love books and reading but also because, in this National Year of Reading, I want to leave a record for future generations of my thoughts on this important topic.

The Reader GeneaMeme

The list should be annotated in the following manner:Things you have already done or found: bold face typeThings you would like to do or find: italicize (colour optional)Things you haven’t done or found and don’t care to: plain typeYou are encouraged to add extra comments in brackets after each item

Which of these apply to you? reading

Have you written any books? Yes a children's picture book as part of the coursework for my Graduate Diploma in Education. I got a stunning mark for my efforts.

Have you published any books? I think I have a few books in me. I just need to settle down and write.

Do you keep a reading log? If yes, in what format? Yes, for around twenty years. Firstly I religiously recorded my reading in an an A4 notebook with a tartan cover. Since 1996, when I joined Librarything I have recorded my reading in this online social media site. My profile can be found here:
http://www.librarything.com/profile/bibliaugrapher

Are you a buyer or a borrower of books? Mostly a buyer but I occasionally borrow from local libraries. Members of my immediate family buy and share books with each other.

Where do you get reading recommendations? Friends, family, reviews and browsing shelves in bookshops.

What is the one genealogy reference book you can't do without? No one book - there are so many out there that none is indispensible.

Do you hoard books or do you discard them when you have finished? I can't bear to part with my books. I have probably only discarded less than ten in the last few years.

How many books are in your genealogy library? Only around 53. I tend to use genealogy books on site in libraries and societies.

What is your favourite bookshop? St Vincent de Paul, Galston, my local thrift shop, has a small collection of recently published titles in excellent condition. I visit every few weeks and always find treasures. I purchase new books online from The Book Depository; for secondhand books Abe Books is my first port of call.

Do you have a traditional printed encyclopaedia in your house? There is an old kids one in a box in the garage somewhere.

Who are the authors in your family tree and what have they written? Many of my ancestors couldn't read or write - maybe one day I will find one who penned and published.

Who is your favourite author? Why did I ask this question? This depends on my mood and situation.

Where do you buy books? I purchase new books online from The Book Depository; for secondhand books Abe Books is my first port of call.
As well as the local Vinnies store I buy books at fetes and fairs.

How interesting that you wrote a children's picture book! Like you, I swap books with my immediate family, and my sister has just introduced me to the novels of Marian Keyes. I wonder how many work places have a 'book swap' shelf or box for staff to use. It was a big success in both places where I've worked.

I agree with St Vincent de Paul stores as a great place to get books, I bought my niece some beautiful copies of classics in excellent condition (Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables, The Little Princess) there just a few weeks ago for a couple of dollars. She just loves to read!

Interesting.....new at this twitter. Have enjoyed reading forever. Recently started to clean out my bookshelves and sent heaps to vinnies for some else to enjoy my treasures. Always have a book at hand. Would love to write something..just lack confidence I think.....admire all who do though.